Former Vice President Mike Pence has publicly criticized President Donald Trump's second administration for departing from traditional conservative principles and for establishing a compensation fund that could benefit individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Policy Differences
"The Trump administration has shifted away from core tenets of the Republican Party as defined since Ronald Reagan."
In an interview with NBC News' "Meet the Press," Pence stated that the administration has moved away from limited government, free market economics, American leadership, and the right to life. While acknowledging that President Trump has been effective on some issues, Pence criticized the administration for not restricting abortion pills. He expressed confidence that Republican voters still align with core conservative values and would support candidates upholding those principles. Pence predicted that any Republican success in the midterm elections would stem from what he described as Democratic extremism rather than Republican policies.
January 6 Compensation Fund
On CBS News' "Face the Nation," Pence urged the Trump administration to abandon a $1.776 billion fund established to compensate individuals who allege the legal system has been weaponized against them. The fund was created as part of a settlement of President Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The fund has faced bipartisan criticism and has divided Republicans, particularly over concerns that it could provide payments to individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack.
"Compensating people who assaulted police officers and vandalized the Capitol is unacceptable."
Pence stated this action is unacceptable and expressed hope the administration would drop the fund entirely. Senate Republicans are seeking clarification on how the fund will operate and what safeguards would prevent payments to those who assaulted law enforcement. On Friday, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Justice Department from proceeding with the fund's implementation. The Department of Justice has defended the fund's legality.
Narrative of January 6 Events
Pence said he has seen evidence that the Trump administration is attempting to rewrite the history of the January 6 attack. He noted being offended by a White House timeline that he said blamed the U.S. Capitol Police for the riot. Pence expressed confidence that history will accurately judge the events of that day.